As of November 2026, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) will expand the range of initial orientation courses (Erstorientierungskurse, EOK) for asylum applicants by around 60% by 2029. The EOK courses provide orientation and initial knowledge of German, mainly for people in the asylum procedure.
The total budget is EUR 134 million from 2026-2029. For 2026, EUR 23 million have been allocated through EU funding, without using additional federal budget resources.
The objective of the EOK initial orientation courses is to provide people seeking protection with knowledge relevant to everyday life in Germany as quickly as possible after their arrival. They will learn about values, norms and customs of living together and acquire first German language skills. The various course modules, which cover 300 hours, focus on topics such as work, shopping, mobility and living in Germany.
The expansion of the EOK orientation courses is taking place in parallel with the current reform of federal integration courses. The integration courses are aimed at people who legally and permanently reside in Germany, in accordance with the Residence Act.